Manchester United’s Paul Pogba Cannot be Ignored

Gameweek 13 Preview: Fantasy Premier League #FPL

Ok Folks… There are THREE gameweeks crammed into eight days coming up.

With that in mind we’ve provided the upcoming three matchups so that you aren’t scrambling to replace players.

Matchups for this column are based on GW13, but with an eye on the next few clashes.

Defender: Kieran Trippier, Tottenham

No idea if he’ll even play in this one, with his 90′ against Arsenal in GW12 coming after his omission against both Manchester United and Palace. If he does play, Trippier is an OFPL stud. He’s scored 6+ in five of his last seven League appearances, he’s recorded four assists in 723′ this season and has clearly outplayed Serge Aurier. Pochettino has options and West Brom are fairly terrible so this could be one for rotation, but Trippier should get at least one start in the coming three with the home clash against the Baggies the one with the biggest point potential.

GW13: West Brom (H) GW14: Leicester (a) GW15: Watford (a)

Midfielder: Paul Pogba, Manchester United

The midfield dynamo is the heartbeat of Mourinho’s reimagined United squad. When he’s out, they struggle. When he’s in, they score four. Handed the armband for the mid-week UCL match, it is temping to do the same in your FPL side for the upcoming clashes against Brighton and at Watford.

The man affectionately known to the class of ’93 as “Pogsey” has played in five League clashes this season, recording three goals with four assists. United paid 10x more than you’ll need to spend (£8.0) and his ownership is still just 13.6% (it should be 100%).

GW13: Brighton (H) GW14: Watford (a) GW15: Arsenal (a)

Forward: Harry Kane, Tottenham

Stay with us here. Kane hasn’t scored a goal since Week 9 and has scored in just one of his last five League matches. At 24, the young England international may have lost his confidence but will need just a one big match to reestablish himself as one to watch for the future.

The England responsibilities and increased press attention may be providing an unwanted distraction for the young man. For me, this is one where he comes good. And I don’t want to hear that he’s a flat track bully. No. No. Just because six of his eight goals have come against Everton, Huddersfield and West Ham. Don’t @ me. #Narrative

GW13: West Brom (H) GW14: Leicester (a) GW15: Watford (a)

Captain: Gabriel Jesus, Manchester United

Jesus was left out of the starting XI for Pep’s side in the UCL clash but did make a substitute appearance with fellow young stars Phil Foden and Brahim Diaz. He should start here. When he starts here he’ll be odds-on to score against Huddersfield.

It’s not ideal to leave your Captain until the last match of the weekend but City’s ownership is high enough across the board that your rank will not be assured until the final whistle blows. Jesus has eight goals in 688′. That’s better than a goal every 90′. He’s starting. He’s scoring. That’s all you can ask.

GW13: Huddersfield (a) GW14: Southampton (H) GW15: West Ham (H)

Outsider: Christian Benteke, Crystal Palace

Benteke is sort of, kind of, possible back. 15′ under his belt isn’t enough for full-throated support on getting him into your 15 this weekend, but his price £7.6 and ownership (2%) are good reasons to make him your FWD3 in the OFPL. 13 goals last season, double-figures in four of his last five and he only missed 2015/16 (9 goals, 1529′) because of the minutes played.

He’ll lead the line, he’ll pick up points and he’s poised in Draft for bigger matches still when he scores as his many other contributions all count towards the final tally.

GW13: Stoke (H) GW14: Brighton (a) GW15: West Brom (a)

Draft: Richarlison, Watford

The man is a stud in all formats, but the reason for Richarlison to have extra value in Draft – particularly Togga’s Draft FPL format – is that he’s rated a forward. When you consider that he’s posted double-digit points in six of his last seven including 20pts in back-to-back weeks.

He has four goals and three assists in those seven games and is the best player in the Hornets squad. He’s owned everywhere, but you should try to work a trade to get him into your team. The next three aren’t great match-ups but the holiday fixtures are a present in waiting.

GW13: Newcastle (a) GW14: Man Utd (H) GW15: Spurs (H)

John (aka FantasyGaffer) has been playing fantasy sports for more than a decade.

An avid supporter of Liverpool since the days of the Spice Boys, he has earnestly worn a white suit on multiple occasions. You’ll find his work on fantasy draft site PlayTogga.

Prior to joining Togga, he wrote for EPLIndex, MLB.com/fantasy, BackPageFootball and his own site, FantasyGaffer.